Plain Sight

Chapter 1: Kidnapped

Every 40 seconds in the United States, a child becomes missing or is abducted.

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I hummed as I walked through the aisles of the old, dusty, bookstore, stacking books on shelves. It was late at night, and I was working at this old library in town. The library was dark, only a few dim lights shining in certain areas, and the bright moon was the only best source of light. It was an eerie night, and shivers went down my back. It was a Friday and I had come straight to work right after school and I was more than ready to go home.

    This library is ancient, it was built back in 1790, and is now run by the family, shared through generations. It has become similar to another home for me, and is where I like to spend most of my time. The manager or the owner, has owned this store for many years, starting at the age of 16. I thrived to be like her. She was nice, loving, empowering, and very unique.

    Ring. Ring. I stop what I was doing, taking my phone out of my back pocket, I accept the call and answer.

    "Hello?" I question, forgetting to check the caller I.D.

    "Hi, honey, I just wanted to call to let you know that I'm gonna be going home late today, and you can order something for yourself or cook, if you'd like," my mom replied.

    "Alright, mom I'm just finishing up in the library, I'll text you when I get home," I rushed wanting to get home as soon as I can.

"Alright, honey bye."

    I reply with a goodbye and hang up. I wanted to spend the rest of our night watching movies together on the couch. I huffed disappointed at this and continued to put books into shelves, currently in the children's section. My last section of the night. I froze in place, weird, and bad vibes rushed through me as I was putting a book onto the shelf. I looked around the dark room, there was nothing there, nothing in sight. I shook my head and kept on, but the feeling didn't go away. I was on edge and couldn't wait to leave. I rushed through the aisles focusing on finishing as soon as I can.

    I was alone, I am always the last to leave, and the one to close the library. The owner, and my manager really put a lot of trust in me at my age. I finished organizing, headed towards the reception, grabbed my stuff, and the keys and headed out. I stepped out of the library, locking the door, heading straight down the street. As soon as I stepped outside, the breeze accompanying this chilly night engulfed me. I shivered hugging my arms, and coat tighter against me.

    I can't help but to wonder about the future,as I walk down the sidewalk. Where will I be in 5 years? What about 10? I always use this time to wrap myself up in my thoughts, I'm just curious.

    My house wasn't too far from here, but I still rushed home. It's been dangerous in this town, murders and kidnappings have risen recently; it's leaving the town unsettled, this never happens usually. In fact on this exact street there has been a murder, a kidnapping and a break in. Knowing this I stay on edge, and continue rushing.

    What if that girl was somewhere near us? What if she was dead? What if no one ever found her, and she stayed with her kidnapper for the rest of her life terrified to put up against him/her. It's terrifying, The unknown can really shake you up and knock you right over.

    The hair at the nape of my neck suddenly stands up and fear overcomes me. I hear footsteps slowly approaching from behind me. I slightly turn my head, just enough for me to peek behind me and see nothing.

    Absolutely nothing.

    I turn back around, confused. I could swear I heard footsteps behind me, maybe I'm just being paranoid? I keep on walking, incredibly close to my house, so close I can see it and my body slightly relaxes.

    From behind me, I can hear the steps slowly start again. I don't think I'm being paranoid, No I am, I have to be. It's just my head. It's just my head. It's just my head. Even as I try to convince myself of this, I can't help but look back again to check. Again, I see nothing. This is driving me crazy.

    The street is stranded, no cars driving by, no people walking, talking or laughing, there's  absolutely nothing. Out of nowhere, the steps start again, but faster this time, it sounded like someone was running for their life towards me. Instinctively, I look back and start running. I see this dark hooded figure, chasing me and frightened I run for my life. I run, and run the breeze fighting against me, and right as i'm a few steps away from my house, he grabs me, puts me in a choke hold, shoves a small rag down my throat and I suddenly feel something sharp pierce through my skin. I try to fight as best as I can, I assume this is one of those rape drugs which usually takes about 15 minutes to take action.

    Knowing this I try to take these minutes, to escape. I frantically shake my head, and bring my arm to peel his off of me. With my heart Jumping through my skin, I try to kick him as best as I can. I try my hardest to escape. I heard it takes 15 minutes for the drug to take action, but to me it feels like much less. Drowsiness overcomes me sooner than I expected, I feel my eyelids start to droop, and I can start to feel myself lose control over my body as I start slumping down in his arms. Why is this happening to me? 

    "..help," I whisper before dowsing off.

    "No one's gonna help you now," He whispers in my ear, and I'm out.

    Someone help me.